Try storing your statemnt in multiple string variables, then concatenating them in the SQLPREPARE function. Something like this:

cCmd1 = "select * "
cCmd2 = "from authors"

liResult = sqlprepare(iHandle, cCmd1 + cCmd2)
liResult = sqlexec(iHandle)

>There seems to be a restriction on the length of the SQL statement expression when using SQLPREPARE. When my statement is too long, I get an error, but when I shorten the statement the SQLPREPARE works OK.
>
>I am using VFP 6.0 and SQL Server 7.0
>
>Is there a way to change the length of the SQL statement sent in the SQLPREPARE command?
>
>Thank you